Wizards Emerge as Threat to Jazz’s Plan to Keep Walker Kessler

The Washington Wizards are positioning themselves as a serious threat to Utah’s plans for Walker Kessler, and league chatter suggests this could become one of the most consequential restricted free-agency battles of the 2026 offseason.

The Utah Jazz have rejected trade overtures for Kessler in recent months and continues to signal confidence that the 7-foot-2 center will return long term. But confidence doesn’t stop rival teams from forcing uncomfortable decisions and Washington appears ready to do exactly that.

Washington Preparing to Apply Real Pressure

According to Bryson Akins, the Wizards are widely viewed around the league as a team prepared to test Utah’s resolve with a significant offer once Kessler hits restricted free agency.

“They (Jazz) are optimistic Walker Kessler will be back in Utah, and they have final say due to his restricted free agency… the word around the league is the Wizards are fairing to make him a significant offer.”

That sentiment aligns with reporting from Tim MacMahon, who has consistently framed Kessler as a priority retention piece for the Utah Jazz, even after negotiations on a rookie-scale extension stalled last fall.

“They (Jazz) are optimistic Walker Kessler will be back in Utah, and they have final say due to his restricted free agency… The word around the league is the Wizards are fairing to make him a significant offer,” MacMahon said, via Akins.

Utah’s leverage is real, they can match any offer sheet. But leverage only matters if ownership is willing to spend.

Why the Wizards Make Sense

Washington’s interest is not theoretical. The Washington Wizards have already reshaped their trajectory by acquiring Trae Young, signaling a clear pivot toward competitiveness rather than extended rebuilding.

Pairing Young with Kessler would instantly give Washington a dangerous pick-and-roll backbone while insulating Young defensively. Kessler’s rim protection and rebounding would allow the Wizards to build a functional defensive structure around an offense-first star, a necessity at the highest level.

Washington’s frontcourt already features Alex Sarr, who currently leads the league in blocks. Sliding Sarr to power forward while deploying Kessler at center could accelerate Sarr’s development and create one of the most imposing interior defenses in the Eastern Conference.

The Money Question Utah Can’t Ignore

Kessler’s production makes this more than speculation. Before suffering a season-ending torn labrum, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and nearly two blocks across five games in 2025-26, while shooting over 70 percent from the field. Last season, he posted 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds, leading the league in offensive rebounds at 4.6 per game. But the real friction point is financial.

Per Grant Afseth, Kessler’s camp previously targeted a massive number during early extension talks.

“Contract talks with Walker Kessler loom this offseason. As we previously reported, Kessler sought upwards of $120 million in total compensation in early discussions, a figure Utah was unwilling to meet… Utah, however, remains interested in retaining him.”

Matching an offer of that magnitude means committing real money to a center coming off major shoulder surgery. That’s not an easy decision, even for a franchise that views Kessler as foundational alongside Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey.

What Happens If Washington Goes Nuclear?

Restricted free agency favors Utah, but only to a point. If Washington structures an aggressive offer with high annual value or front-loaded guarantees, the Jazz must decide whether Kessler is worth tying up long-term cap flexibility.

For Washington, the calculus is simpler. They have cap space, a clear roster direction, and a pressing need for elite defense. For Utah, matching means betting heavily on Kessler’s post-injury ceiling and accepting the cost.

Saying you want to keep Walker Kessler is easy. Paying to keep him, when another team forces your hand, is where things get real.

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